daffy_traveller

My 77 year-old mom is making a cruise stop to see The Alhambra next month. She has difficulty walking - takes frequent breaks in just one city block. She would like to know if there's a way to see it without too much walking, or perhaps a driving tour. I have never been, but I get the impression it's not a driving place...so any suggestions on how she can see it with a guided tour would be appreciated.

I don't think she qualifies as "disabled" but maybe a tour like that would help?

Thanks for any help.

zeppole

If you scroll down on this website, you will find a route for handicapped people and you will also see that it is possible to rent a wheelchair at the sight.

http://granadainfo.com/ticketsalhambra.htm

There are many agencies that offer private guides to the Alhambra, or for very small groups. You can find them doing Google searches. Here is just one example

http://www.alhambra.org/eng/index.asp?secc=/inicio

Perhaps the best thing for your mother would be to reserve a wheelchair and hire a private guide, so she could go at her own pace.

I have traveled to many places in Europe and now live in Europe, and I consider the Alhambra to be one of the greatest of all sights to see in the world. So while hiring a private guide is not a money-saver, it is worth considering and cutting the budget someplace else to pay for an optimal visit, especially in the warmer months.

daffy_traveller

Thank you so much for such a quick reply! Money is not a big issue for her and she is quite determined to see it so your sites should be very useful! I'll let you know so I can share with others who have this issue when traveling. (maybe I can talk her into taking me as a "transportation helper" - pushing the wheelchair!)

nytraveler

The Alhambra is extensive and there are many different levels - I can't imagine she could begin to see much of it without a wheelchair. She should definitely reserve one in advance - as well as a private guide - to meet the bus arriving from the cruise ship.

Separately, the cruise ship may be able to organize this for her - otherwise scheduling could be a challenge.

davidx

There are three separate areas of the Alhambra to visit. The Alcazaba, the old fort where the last Moorish sultan surrendered is fascinating but to see it at all properly involves masses of steps and, in the end, it is only another fort. The Nasrid Palace is what makes the Alhambra one of Europe's grandest sights and I think your mother should concentrate on this. She can get near with a taxi and a wheel-chair is far more useful here. With the wheelchair she can probably get through the garden to the old summer palace of the Generalife but it is the garden that is attractive so it does not matter enormously if she has to turn back.